The HOBY Outstanding Young Alumni Award was created to recognize and honor HOBY alumni, ages 25 and under, for their accomplishments and service. The winners of the award have distinguished themselves as leaders among their peers and in their communities. They have served in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities and have made a significant difference in the lives of others.

NIHARIKA VATTIKONDA

HOBY Virginia · 2016

“Without my HOBY experience, I would not have found the confidence in myself to establish a national nonprofit as a [high school] sophomore.”

Niharika Vattikonda is the founder of Teens Transforming Technology, a program she formed in 2016 after attending HOBY, with the goal to teach computer science and conduct coding workshops and hackathons for low-income and minority students in her community.

Niharika has since expanded this program nationally by branching out to coders across the country, maximizing the team’s creative potential and the program’s impact.

Teens Transforming Technology is now hosting an all-expense paid app development camp in Washington, D.C. for low-income students who want to pursue education in computer science.

This camp gives students the opportunity to learn more about college and gain access to mentorship and other resources previously out of reach.

Niharika also serves alongside Inspiring Femgineers planning STEM-related events and volunteers with the CSterhood Mentorship Program and as a Big CSter, mentoring younger students.

Niharika’s servant leadership has earned her recognition such as the nominated Changemaker at the White House United State of Women 2016, Best Delegate (1st Place) at multiple Model United Nations simulations, and the Curtis Jacobs Memorial Award for Outstanding Statistics at a national competition.

Niharika credits HOBY for helping her recognize that “being a leader… means empowering everyone else to do the best they can to serve.”